When should GenAI be used to support Mental Health?

In this episode, we sit down with our WCDSB Mental Health Lead Andrea Snyder and our School Psychologist Dr. Anna Bowers to explore the growing intersection of generative AI and mental health support for students. As students increasingly turn to AI for assistance, our experts provide valuable background on the potential and limitations of these tools. We delve into how GenAI can be a resource for mental health, the importance of guiding students to trusted resources, and the critical role parents and teachers play in communicating the boundaries and possibilities of AI to children and teenagers. Additionally, we discuss the implications of GenAI chatbots' human-like tones on young minds and the risks associated with students trusting GenAI over real human connections. Tune in for practical advice and resources to support educators, families, and students navigating the evolving landscape of GenAI in mental health.Dr. Anna Bowers is a Psychologist at WCDSB. She completed her Ph.D. in School and Clinical Child Psychology and currently works in the school setting providing psychological assessment and consultation services, and in private practice providing psychotherapy for children and youth. Anna is passionate about helping parents and school staff understand mental health concerns in students as well as evidence-based treatments and strategies to help improve their functioning.Andrea Snyder is the Mental Health Lead at WCDSB. She holds a Master’s Degree in Social Work and has worked with our school board since fall, 2021. Prior to this Andrea worked for twenty years in the Child Welfare Sector supporting children, youth, and their families in a number of different roles, primary relating to children’s mental health. Andrea’s experience has led to a passion in helping educators learn the importance of trauma-informed practices in schools. She also enjoys spending time with her husband and two young adult children, gardening, cooking, and travel.WCDSB Mental Health & WellbeingX: @WCDSBwellnessSchool Mental Health OntarioHere 24/7Feedback? You can ask your questions or give us feedback on the show here Want to know more?You can check out our: WCDSB GenAI Guidelines, infographics, and Innovation website: https://innovate.wcdsb.ca/Want to know more?You can check out our: WCDSB GenAI Guidelines, infographics, and Innovation website: https://innovate.wcdsb.ca/Feedback? You can ask your questions or give us feedback on the show here Want to get in touch? Contact Katrina & Whitney by email at: [email protected] and [email protected] or on LinkedIn Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.